Westminster City Council is pleased to announce the launch of the Westminster Climate Fund, a new competitive grant programme designed to help businesses and organisations reduce their carbon emissions, cut energy bills, and accelerate progress toward a more sustainable city.
Funded through Section 106 carbon offset payments, the Climate Fund supports the council’s Fairer Environment priorities by empowering local organisations to deliver innovative climate action projects across Westminster. Whether you’re a business looking to upgrade inefficient systems or a community group exploring greener ways of working, the fund offers targeted support to help turn climate ambitions into action.
The fund is structured into four key categories, with two categories open to businesses:
- City Decarbonisation
Supports major carbon reduction projects such as energy-efficient building upgrades, low-carbon heating systems, and greener transport solutions. Eligible applicants include businesses, cultural institutions, and public sector organisations.
- Feasibility
Offers funding for pre-implementation activities such as energy audits, feasibility studies, or stakeholder engagement. These activities help organisations plan effective, future-facing carbon reduction and cost-saving strategies. Grants are capped at £50,000 (exceptions may apply).
Other categories include:
- Community Energy and Retrofit – for community-led retrofit and energy schemes.
- Greener Living – small grants for grassroots environmental projects, especially those involving underrepresented groups.
Targeted Support for Small and Micro Businesses
Learnings from the council’s previous energy efficiency grant scheme have informed key priorities for small and micro businesses applying to the new fund. Recommended energy-saving measures include:
- Pipework insulation
- Draught proofing
These low-cost, high-impact solutions can help reduce heat loss and improve overall energy efficiency.
For small and micro businesses, the following additional criteria apply:
- A 10% match funding requirement
- Applicants must be a signatory to the Sustainable City Charter, or be willing to sign up during the application process
‘Meet the Funder’ Events
To support organisations through the application process, the council will be a ‘Meet the Funder’ sessions online via Microsoft Teams on Monday 9 June 2025
The event is an opportunity to hear directly from the fund’s administrators, ask questions, and get tailored guidance on developing a strong application.
How to Apply
The summer 2025 funding round is now open and will close on 18 July 2025. A second round is planned for winter 2025.
Applications are welcome from:
- Voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations
- Community interest companies
- Local businesses (subject to criteria)
- Cultural institutions and public sector bodies
All projects must be based in Westminster. For full details on eligibility, funding criteria, and how to apply, visit the Westminster Climate Fund webpage and review the application guidance (PDF). For questions or support, contact the council’s climate team at: climateemergency@westminster.gov.uk
